News Room

CHICAGO — The Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County today released comprehensive data on its Electronic Monitoring (EM) program, including current non-compliance figures and warrant status. The release reflects Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II’s commitment to transparency and public accountability in the administration of the EM program.

Chief Judge Charles Beach of the Circuit Court of Cook County reminds the public, members of the legal community, and members of the media that virtual court appearance options remain available to case participants across Cook County under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 45.

As part of the ongoing transformation of the juvenile justice system in Cook County, Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II today announced a leadership transition within the Juvenile Probation Department.

“The work of building a model juvenile justice system requires thoughtful leadership, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement,” said Chief Judge Beach. “These changes are part of our responsibility to ensure that our system operates with integrity and in full alignment with statewide standards, while continuing to serve the youth and families of Cook County.”

Following a comprehensive nationwide search, Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II announced the selection of Sara Hemmeter as the court’s first Director of Juvenile Services — a newly established leadership role designed to transform and strengthen the county’s juvenile justice system.

WGN TV's Patrick Elwood covered Tuesday's Supporting Education and Employment Development (SEED) Program graduation, which included 10 participants. See his story here: https://wgntv.com/news/cook-county/cook-countys-restorative-justice-empowers-young-adults-to-turn-their-lives-around/

After Jonathan Porter was released on bond for a drug possession charge back in 2021, he realized it was time to change his life’s direction. He was the father of a baby girl, and he needed to be a better man.

“It didn’t resonate to me that I had a little one at home until I got released from jail,” said Porter, of Chicago’s South Side. “I thought, ‘Dang, she’s home… I can’t make those same mistakes.” The arrest wasn’t Porter’s first, but he was determined to make it his last.

Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II and the court’s Nominating Committee today announced the names of 14 candidates who will appear on the ballot for election by circuit judges to fill seven associate judge vacancies. 

Daily Herald coverage of fraudulent text message scams, posted by Charles Keeshan: https://www.dailyherald.com/20260325/crime/do-not-click-state-suburban-…

The Office of the Chief Judge is warning the public about a fraudulent “Illinois Circuit Court – Hearing Notice” that is circulating and falsely claims to require payment for unpaid parking charges.

This document is not legitimate and was not issued by the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The Circuit Court of Cook County today announced the appointment of Luis M. Gutierrez as court security services administrator. Gutierrez succeeds Jeffrey Pfotenhauer, who is retiring following distinguished service to the Court.

A search committee appointed by Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II has begun the process of identifying candidates for a new Director of Juvenile Services for the Circuit Court of Cook County.

CBS 2 Chicago's Sabrina Franza had the exclusive interview with Chief Judge Beach regarding the upcoming improvements to the Electronic Monitoring system. See her report here: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cook-county-chief-judge-charles-beach-changes-electronic-monitoring/

Judges from the Traffic Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County will participate in a Driver’s License Reinstatement Expo on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, providing individuals with Cook County traffic cases an opportunity to address matters that may be preventing them from regaining driving privileges.

CBS 2's Sabrina Franza covered improvements made to the EM process. Here is her story: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cook-county-chief-judge-changes-electronic-monitoring-program/

Chicago Sun Times coverage of the Electronic Monitoring operational updates, posted by Violet Miller: https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/01/28/cook-county-electronic-monitoring-beach

WTTW's Matt Masterson's coverage of the Electronic Monitoring operational updates: https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/28/cook-county-s-chief-judge-announces-new-revisions-electronic-monitoring-program

A search committee appointed by Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II has begun the process of identifying candidates for a new Director of Juvenile Services for the Cook County Circuit Court.

The Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County has implemented updated operational protocols governing Electronic Monitoring (EM) to ensure timely identification of violations, prompt judicial review and clear accountability across all involved agencies.

The Bridgeview Drug, Mental Health and Veterans Treatment Courts celebrated the commencement of five participants Monday.

Three Drug Court participants, one Veterans Treatment Court participant and one Mental Health Court participant were honored by court employees with certificates, gifts and applause during a ceremony led by the Hon. Kathaleen T. Lanahan, who is the judge for the Fifth Municipal District Problem-Solving Courts. 

Due to the extremely cold temperatures predicted for Friday, January 23, which may adversely impact the health and safety of court personnel and litigants, the Circuit Court of Cook County will be closed. The Skokie, Maywood and Markham courthouses will be open as warming centers.

The Pretrial Division will operate first appearance court, including newly charged domestic violence cases, on the holiday and weekend schedule. Juveniles who are in custody and scheduled for initial appearances or detention hearings will appear remotely.

The Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County is refunding overpayments of fees for court-ordered probation, supervision and community services.

As part of the new administration’s ongoing operational review of its non-judicial departments, a technical issue was identified in the Probation Department’s case management system that had prevented certain refunds for overpayments from being generated.  The issue, which affected a limited number of cases, has been fully corrected and refund checks have been issued.

WTTW Chicago's Matt Masterson's coverage of Chief Judge Beach's first month leading the judiciary: 

https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/05/cook-county-chief-judge-charles-beach-highlights-new-court-reforms-first-month-office

In the month since he was sworn in to lead the Circuit Court of Cook County, Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II has moved quickly to establish clearer lines of accountability, improve communication and transparency, and strengthen court operations.

Cook County officials today announced the completion of a comprehensive courthouse wireless connectivity project that concluded in November, significantly improving Wi-Fi signal strength and reliability across courthouse facilities countywide.

As part of the project, crews installed approximately 1,000 wireless access points to eliminate dead zones and strengthen wireless coverage throughout court buildings.

Following months of intensive work by the Juvenile Transition Committee and its affiliated workgroups, Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II announced a series of actions designed to modernize and humanize the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Juvenile Justice System.

During a meeting with committee members last week, Chief Judge Beach thanked the workgroups for their extensive analysis and recommendations, noting that juvenile justice reform remains a top priority for his new administration.

Cook County Courthouse warming centers open during cold weather.

Cook County Courthouse Warming Centers Open Amid Dangerous Wind Chills

The Children’s Room in the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse will reopen Monday, Dec. 15.

The Cook County Circuit Court’s Children’s Room program provides free, on-site child care for children whose parents or guardians must attend court. The program offers a safe, supervised space that allows adults to focus on their court matters knowing their children are nearby and well cared for.

Judges from the Circuit Court of Cook County are once again joining community partners to support children and families in need this holiday season.

Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II joined Brandis Friedman and WTTW's Chicago Tonight to discuss his vision and plans for the future of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Chief Judge Beach's segment begins at the 5:00:00 mark.

https://video.wttw.com/video/dec-11-2025-full-show-mlsj3u/

Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II today announced the appointment of William Steward III, Ph.D., as Acting Superintendent of the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC), effective Dec. 1, following the retirement of Superintendent Leonard Dixon.